Trump: Sanctions on Russia to Remain 'As Is'

U.S. sanctions on Russia will remain in place and unchanged for now, President Donald Trump said Monday, even after the Republican leader's summit with Vladimir Putin two weeks ago in Helsinki.

"Sanctions on Russia will remain as is," Trump told reporters at the White House during a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.

His record on Russia under scrutiny, Trump was questioned about the subject at a news conference with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.

Conte first broached the subject and said lifting the sanctions would be "unthinkable." Trump also scolded Germany for agreeing to use a Russian natural gas pipeline while, in his estimation, not paying enough for defense.

Trump has withstood withering criticism in recent weeks for his summit with Russia's Vladimir Putin in which he did not chastise Moscow for its 2016 U.S. election interference.